Revelation 6, 7: The Third Facet

Week 5, Thursday: A glimpse toward the end
The opening of the sixth seal reveals events at the end of time. All of history is moving toward this climax. Here we are given a glimpse at what will be more fully revealed in subsequent chapters of Revelation. But it is important, Jesus seems to think, that we have a sure sense of the end of all things, so that we might take our place with Him to “overcome” unto the end.

Read Revelation 6

Meditate on Revelation 6.12-17
1.      According to Genesis 1.14, what is one of the primary functions of the sun and moon, as well as all the heavenly bodies? How do verses 12-14 lead us to think that this function – and with it, time as we know it – is coming to an end?

2.      An earthquake accompanies the “dying” of time, and that will be terrifying to many. The earthquake that accompanied the opening of Jesus’ tomb frightened those who were present, but what did that “shaking” of the earth portend (Matt. 28.1-6; cf. Hag. 2.6, 7)? What does this earthquake seem to proclaim?

3.      How do the “great men” of the earth react to the events described in verses 12-14? Why (v. 17)? Is it our duty to warn people that this event is coming? Why or why not?

4.      The people mentioned in verse 15 are “overcome” by the “wrath of the Lamb.” They cannot stand before His face, and they cannot imagine that anyone else can. How would you answer the question posed at the end of verse 17?

5.      We think of the Gospel as “Good News,” and so it is. But just as the glory and beauty and goodness of Christ and His mission can only be fully appreciated against the backdrop on sinful men and a sin-stained world, so the glory of His grace can only have its full impact against the backdrop of His wrath. What is the Gospel? Where does the “bad news” fit in with the “good news”?

My Reflection
Meditate on 2 Peter 3.10-13. Knowing what we do about the end of all things, what should we be doing to “overcome” until that time? How do you pursue this in your own walk with and work for the Lord?

The Glory of God
The complete sovereignty of God undergirds the events of Revelation 6.12-17. God is sovereign over all time, all creation, all peoples, and the final disposition of all things. Why do we need to know this? How can believers encourage one another with this truth?

Glory to Glory
In order to live for the glory of God we need to keep the end in sight at all times. Think of the people in your own Personal Mission Field, and of the obligations and opportunities that await you there. How should keeping the end in sight affect your prayers and other preparations to live for God’s glory each day?

Memorize
Recite Revelation 6.1, 2. As you recite these verses, think about what you would like to say to the people in your Personal Mission Field – whether believers or unbelievers – about Christ, His mission, and your place in it. Share your thoughts about this with someone today.

Closing Prayer
Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Psalm 2.10-12

T. M. Moore

The book of Revelation is the culminating episode in the story of God’s covenant. To learn more about that covenant, and to discover the way it integrates all of Scripture into the Gospel of Jesus Christ, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, by clicking here.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.